Improvement in center-pieces for ceilings



I w. WARREN. Center-Pieces for Geiiing s.

No.|4-7,206. Patented Feb. 3,1874.

UNI ED STATES PATENT Orrro'n.

\Y-ELLIXGTOX AR-REX, OF CHICAGO, ILLIN()I'S.'

IMPROVEMENT IN CENTER-PIECES FOR CEILINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 147,206, dated February 3, 1874; application filed June 20, 1873.

To all whom it may concera Be it known that I, WELLINGTON WARREN, of Chicago, Illinois, have invented certain Improvements in Metallic Oenterlieces for Ceiliugs, of which the following is a specification:

This invention has for its object to furnish to the public a metallic center-piece for the ceilings of houses, which shall combine strength anddurability with lightness and cheapness,

and form a complete substitute for the ordinary stucco centerpiece, while being superior in many respects to the ordinary stucco and cast-metal center-pieces, which it is designed to supersede.

This invention consists in constructing a center-piece for ceilings of one or more pieces of sheet metal spun or struck up into shape to form a shell or base, to the outer or pendent side of which are applied ornamental moldings or decorations of stamped or spun metal, thus producing a centerpiece of a highly ornamental and durable character, which is capable of being secured to the ceiling of a room without marring or recessing the latter, and in such manner as to be readily removed when desired, said center-piece being painted or colored to form a complete substitute for the ordinary stucco center-pieces.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a plan or top view of my invention; Fig. 2, a longitudinal central section of the same.

Before entering upon a description of the nature of my invention, it is deemed proper to refer to the previous state of the art to which it appertains. Heretofore, and as ordinarily constructed, the ornamental center-pieces for the ceilings of houses have been made of stucco or plaster, and are not susceptible of being transported with ease and safety, owing to to their fragile nature; and, furthermore, center-pieces of this description are influenced by 4 heat and moistr e, which cause the same to crack or become disfigured after a brief use. The disadvantages of the stucco centerpieces have been avoided to a partial degree byconstructing the same of cast metal, the principal object sought to be attained by the use of such cast-metal pieces being to locate in the ceiling of a room a reservoir or chamber for containing a supply of water which is to he used for extinguishing fires. For the purpose of forming a water-reservoir the center piece is cast on its upper side with a case, which is inserted into a large recess formed in the ceiling of the room, and thus center pieces made of cast metal are doubly objectionable, owing to their weight and the fact that it is impossible to apply the same in position without recessing the ceiling and resorting to strong fastening devices.

Center-pieces constructed according to my inventionare more cheaply made, and possess in an eminent degree the requisites of strength, durability, and ornamental appearance, which are the distinguishing features wherein my invention differs from the centerpieces of the character above referred to.

In carrying out my invention, I form the body or base A of a center-piece for ceilings of a disk or plate of sheet metal, which is spun or struck up into shape by suitable forms, molds,or dies,to form a shell possessing outer raised moldings or rims. The central portion B of the center-piece is made generally of a separate piece of sheet metal, which is struck up into shape to produce exterior decorations or 1noldings,which maybe of any desired configuration or elaborateness. Apendent socket or tubular extension is formed in the center of the part B,when the center-piece is used in connection with a chandelier or gas fixture,to permit the passage of the gas-pipe through the same; but, if otherwise located, and not in relation to a chandelier, the center-piece is made with a closed center. Around the edge of the body-or base A of the center-piece is applied an ornamental separate molding, one or more, which may be of any desired configuration designed to produce a pleasing effect.

The sections or parts composing the centerpiece, when the same is constructed of more than one piece of metal, are secured to each other by rivets or by soldering, and the separate ornaments or decorative moldings are applied to the outer side of the same in a similar manner.

The great advantages derived by the use of my invention are attributable to the facts that sheet-metal center-pieces, while being more cheaply made than others, are also much stronger and more durable, and are capable of being applied to the ceilings of rooms in a f1 imeoc simple and expeditious manner by ordinary screws or other suitable fastening devices which pass through holes in the center. Hooks and staples, or other means of suspension not liable to deface the ceiling, may be resorted to for the same purpose.

In my invention, instead of weakening the ceiling by recessing it for the reception of cast- 111etaleenter-pieces,I obtain the opposite result; for a center-piece, constructed of sheet metal, and bearing against the surface of the ceiling, will tend to support or strengthen the latter to a considerable extent. Another advantage attained by using sheet=metal ceiling ornaments lies in the fact that the same will conform to atmospherical changes.

It will, of course, be apparent that the ceilin g ornaments may be arranged in groups, so as to be disposed over Various parts of a ceiling, and in the latter instance ornamental appearance and utility are combined to a great extent, as a ceiling is Well supported and strengthened by a series of sheet-metal ornaments.

The center-piece for ceilings herein described constitutes a new article of manufacture, and

is designed to be offered for sale in the market in a finished state, so as to be applied in position without special preparation. The outer or exposed surface of the metal is painted or decorated in one or more colors according to taste or fancy, said colors serving also to protect the metal against oxidation. The size and shape of the center-pieces are left to the taste of the manufacturer; but they are gen= erally made of the same form as the ordinary stucco ornaments,which vary from one to five feet in diameter.

I claim as my invention- As a new article of manufacture, a center= piece for ceilings, composed of one or more pieces of sheet metal spun or struck up in dies, as specified, and painted or colored to form a complete substitute for the ordinary stucco center-piece, substantially as described.

The above specification of my invention signed by me this 16th day of June, 187 3.

WELLINGTON WARREN.

\Yitnesses:

N. H. SHERBORNE, -JAMES COLEMAN. 

